East Herts Council is pleased to announce that Hertford Town Council has agreed to contribute to the fitting out of Hertford Theatre’s new studio theatre space with a grant of £325,000.

The studio theatre will seat 150 people and, together with increased seating in the refurbished main auditorium, will give the town-centre arts complex much greater capacity. 

Sarah Hopewell, East Herts Council’s Executive Member for Wellbeing said: “We are delighted and grateful to Hertford Town Council for their generous grant toward this important project for Hertford. The grant is key to enabling the studio theatre to open as planned later in the year, and we hope to be able to work closely with the town council to ensure that the theatre and studio theatre provide the best possible offer to residents both in Hertford and across the wider district of East Herts"

Paul Williams, Chair of Finance, Policy and Administration at Hertford Town Council said: “The new Hertford Theatre complex will make a significant difference to the cultural life of Hertford and we are pleased to be part of this exciting project. A thriving arts scene represents a significant asset to Hertford and will drive footfall into our historic county town from miles around.” 

Hertford Theatre closed in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic and the plan to  transform it into a major arts complex was agreed by East Herts Council in March 2022.

When it re-opens, amenities will include:   

•    Three bespoke cinema screens allowing screenings of newly released films

•    A main auditorium with seating for 550

•    A studio theatre with seating for 150

•    A new dance studio

•    A riverside café and an additional upstairs bar for cinema goers

•    A community room

•    Improved access to all areas of the building, including backstage areas and dressing rooms